On July 7, 2007, a Piper PA-20-135 (registration N1576A) was involved in an aviation accident near State College, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced a ground loop during landing roll, resulting in collapsed left gear and wing damage. The propeller struck the runway while the engine remained under power.
What happened
The pilot applied light braking during the landing roll prior to performing a 180-degree turn. When he applied braking the aircraft ground looped to the left, collapsing the left gear and striking the left wing on the runway. The propeller struck the runway while the engine was under power and that he was not injured.
The investigation
The investigation revealed that the pilot applied light braking during the landing roll prior to performing a 180-degree turn. When he applied braking the aircraft ground looped to the left, collapsing the left gear and striking the left wing on the runway. The propeller struck the runway while the engine was under power and that he was not injured.
Findings
The pilot applied light braking during the landing roll prior to performing a 180-degree turn. When he applied braking the aircraft ground looped to the left, collapsing the left gear and striking the left wing on the runway. The propeller struck the runway while the engine was under power and that he was not injured.